Sherman Oaks, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, has vigorous commercial development along major boulevards and leafy, almost rural- feeling residential roadways that lead south from Ventura Boulevard and climb to the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains at Mulholland Drive.

The earliest known settlers in the area were the Chumash and Tongva peoples, who occupied small villages in the coastal region and inland hills for thousands of years. Spanish explorers and missionaries left their mark on the landscape and, as with much of California’s history, the region was divided into expansive ranchos. Encouraged by the Homestead Act of 1862, the population grew steadily through the decades.

Sherman Oaks and its neighboring Valley communities are still part of greater Los Angeles, operating within the school system and benefiting from other city municipal services. Moses Hazeltine Sherman, a partner of the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company, developed Sherman Oaks and left the legacy of his name on streets, schools, and parks throughout the area. The company holding of a thousand acres was subdivided and sold in 1927 for $780 per acre. In terms of Sherman Oaks homes for sale, home prices can average above 1,500,000.

The San Fernando Valley was a rich agricultural area, with vast acreage dedicated to orange groves that scented the air with their flowers. Eventually, neighborhoods grew up to accommodate the expanding population, and Sherman Oaks real estate took the place of farms and orchards. The boundaries of the community have been redrawn a number of times, several neighboring areas seeking to be part of the more affluent Sherman Oaks. The population of Sherman Oaks is 70,464 (city-data.com), with a high percentage of college graduates and post-graduate degrees.

Many people associate Sherman Oaks with the Galleria, where “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” was filmed, and which inspired Frank Zappa to coin the term “Valley Girl.” But with its proximity to the 405 and 101 freeways, its easy access to the Westside, Studio City and the Conejo Valley and its lovely residential neighborhoods, Sherman Oaks has come a long way.

If you are searching for homes for sale in Sherman Oaks CA, contact Barry Dantagnan today. With an extensive network in the Sherman Oaks Real Estate market, Barry can help you purchase a home with ease.